With 82 days to go until opening night at Nationwide Arena, there's only one person to talk about - Mikael Pyyhtiä.

Mikael Pyyhtiä was a pleasant surprise last season for the Blue Jackets. Used mainly as a penalty killer and fourth liner, no one can say Pyyhtiä didn't hustle.

He played 47 games last season, scoring four goals and totaling seven points. On Oct 28, Pyyhtiä would score his first NHL goal against the Edmonton Oilers, and on Dec 5, again against the Edmonton Oilers, would tally his first assist of the season.

Pyyhtiä's last game of the season would be against the Detroit Red Wings in the 2025 Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium. On March 6, he was sent back to the Cleveland Monsters, as the Jackets were preparing for the trade deadline.

Pyyhtiä would finish his season with the Monsters, playing in 28 games, scoring 3 goals, and totaling 16 points. He played in 6 playoff games, but could only muster a single point.

Mikael Pyyhtiä was given his qualifying offer back in May, so that he could play in the IIHF Worlds for Finland, so he should be signed at some point here soon.

We checked with the Blue Jackets front office, but as of today, there is no update that could be given on Pyyhtiä's new contract negotiations.

Mikael Pyyhtiä could be a very important player on this team. Being used primarily as a grinder and penalty killer isn't a bad thing. He has some offensive skill and could add some secondary scoring at times, but he's not going to light up the score sheet.

Pyyhtiä might not make the team out of camp, but he will definitely be one of the first forwards recalled from the Cleveland Monsters.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.

THN Columbus Exclusive - Q&A With Indy Car Driver/Blue Jackets Fan Graham Rahal The Columbus Blue Jackets have a ton of loyal fans, but only one can say that he drives a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 Indy Car capable of reaching speeds of around 235 MPH. That driver is Graham Rahal, driver of the #15 car for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. 

Former Blue Jackets Forward Headed To KHL? <a href="https://belarushockey.com/khl/news/2025/07/16/cska-projavljaet-interes-k-napadajuschemu-kevinu-labanku/">Belarus Hockey</a> is reporting that Moscow CSKA is interested in signing former Blue Jackets forward Kevin Labanc. 

On This Date In Columbus Blue Jackets History: Mike Sillinger Traded To Dallas Stars On this day in 2003, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Mike Sillinger to the Dallas Stars in a three-team deal that also involved the Phoenix Coyotes.

82 Days Until Opening Night At Nationwide Arena: Mikael Pyyhtiä